Ngati Whakaue, through Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust, is calling on local businesses to help support science in Rotorua schools.
In a joint venture with Tauranga-based company House of Science, the Rotorua iwi is trialling ready-made science resource kits in Rotorua schools and if the pilot scheme is successful, is hoping to have 10 available for use by 2016.
Te Taumata's Matakokiri project researcher Eva Tait said the iwi would seek sponsorship from Rotorua businesses to help buy the resource kits.
"We want to make Rotorua the science hub of New Zealand and this is a simple way for local businesses to get involved. We want to support teachers to incorporate science into their lessons, but many of our schools are having to work with outdated resources. The ready-made kits have everything a teacher could need," Ms Tait said.
The House of Science kits cover themes in biology, chemistry, physics and food science, and are being trialled at Glenholme Primary, Kawaha Point School, Rotorua Intermediate and Rotorua Primary School.